Tizanidine is used to control muscle spasms or rigidity (stiffness) in certain types of movement disorders and helps to relax muscles. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

Tizanidine is used to control muscle spasms or rigidity (stiffness) in certain types of movement disorders. Tizanidine helps to relax the muscles.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Follow the instructions on your medication label and take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• You may take the medication with or without food, but you should take it the same way every time i.e. either always with food or always without food.
• You may not experience any effect immediately after starting the medication as it may take up to a few weeks before this medication can exert its full effects. You should continue to take your medication regularly as instructed by your doctor even if you feel well. Stopping your medication without informing your healthcare professionals may cause your condition to worsen quickly.
• Do not stop taking or adjust the dose of this medication without consulting your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients found in the medication
• You are taking any other medications (including antibiotics), supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding 
• You have liver or kidney problem

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Dry mouth
• Ensure adequate hydration 
• Dizzy, drowsy, feeling weak
• Get up slowly from sitting or lying down position
• Avoid driving or operating machinery or engaging in strenuous physical activities
• Have sufficient rest

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Very rarely, this medication may cause:

• Hallucinations (seeing things that are not really there)
• Liver problems: Dark coloured urine or light-coloured stools, yellowing of your eyes or skin, severe loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting that does not go away

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on November 2023